Case system

ABSTRACT

A container system is disclosed, and which includes a container bottom part, defining an interior; a container top part which is hingedly affixed to the container bottom part; and at least one additional container having a connecting structure which joins the additional container to the container bottom part.

The present invention relates to a container system, in particular acase system, comprising a container, in particular a case, for thestorage of objects, which container has a container top part and acontainer bottom part. At least one additional container, which issuitable for storing further objects, can be releasably attached to thecontainer. Such container systems are used to store and/or transportvarious objects, such as tools.

PRIOR ART

A container, such as a case, often has a container bottom part and acontainer top part, which can be folded together by means of a hinge inorder to jointly close off an interior. By swinging open the containertop part in relation to the container bottom part, the interior and theobjects, for example tools, stored therein can be made accessible. Forthe convenient transporting of the container, this often also has ahandle.

For the user of the container, it may be desirable to enlarge thestorage capacity of the container or to provide separate compartmentsfor the storage of specific objects, such as accessories, dirtied tools,special instruments or consumables.

DE 203 03 536 shows a toolbox comprising a side wall having inner andouter walls which can be folded relative to each other. Between theseinner and outer walls are provided compartments, which serve to receivespecific tools.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,680 is shown a modular system in which variousadditional containers can be attached to the side of a tool case.Depending on the objects to be stored therein, these additionalcontainers can be differently designed. Such case systems are also shownin DE 94 17 348 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,712.

In these systems, the tool case can be enlarged, according to therequirement of the user, with those additional containers which containthe respectively specifically required objects. Hence the user does nothave to store and transport a large number of different tools togetherin a large tool case. He can instead only house frequently used andmultipurpose tools in the case, for instance, while the special toolsare stored in the additional containers. According to which specialtools are specifically required, the case can then be supplemented bythe additional containers which are respectively appropriate.

These said case systems have the drawback, however, that the additionalcontainers can easily fall off the case if they are not properlyattached to the case, for example, or if the user bangs against themsomewhere while carrying the case. Moreover, it is possible that theadditional containers are not properly closed and spring open, forinstance, when the case is lifted up or carried. At least in some casesystems of the prior art, the fastening of the additional containers,furthermore, is awkward.

REPRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to define a container system inwhich an additional container can be easily releasably attached to acontainer, wherein an unintentional fall-off of the additional containerfrom the container is prevented.

This object is achieved by a container system having the features ofclaim 1. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention thus provides a container system having thefollowing features:

a container, in particular a case, having a container top part and acontainer bottom part, which latter has a base and, attached thereto, aperipheral side wall, wherein the side wall, together with the base,delimits an interior of the container, which interior is suitable forstoring objects, and wherein the container has a closed state in whichthe container top part and the container bottom part jointly close offthe interior to the outside and has an open state in which the interioris accessible from the outside; and

at least one additional container, which has a connecting structure andwhich is suitable for storing further objects, wherein the additionalcontainer, in the open state of the container, can be releasablyattached to the side wall, in particular slipped onto this, by means ofthe connecting structure.

At the same time, the container top part is arranged relative to thecontainer bottom part in the closed state such that it prevents removalof the additional container from the container.

The additional container can thus be attached to or removed from thecontainer only in the open state thereof. In the closed state, this isprevented by the container top part. An unintentional release of theadditional container from the container is thereby, in the closed statethereof, effectively prevented. The additional container can here bedesigned such that it forms a form closure with the container when it isattached thereto, and that the container top part, in the closed state,prevents release of the form closure.

The additional container can here be constituted, for instance, by acontainer for the storage of further objects, such as, for example,accessories, a dirtied tool, special objects or consumables. Theadditional container can, in particular, be a closable container and canhave, for instance, specific compartments for the reception of certainobjects such as drills, saw blades, fishing articles, sewingaccessories, first aid equipment, etc. It can also be constituted,however, by an open container.

Preferably, the connecting structure can be slipped onto the side wallin a direction of displacement, wherein the container top part coversthe connecting structure in the closed state in order to preventdisplacement, in particular counter to the direction of displacement. Inthis way, the additional container can be attached to the container in aparticularly easy manner for the user. The direction of displacement isadvantageously directed toward the base and runs, in particular,substantially perpendicular to the base.

Advantageously, the connecting structure, in the closed state of thecontainer, is held, in particular even clamped, in a region between thecontainer bottom part and the container top part. Removal of theadditional container from the container can hence easily be prevented bythe container top part.

The connecting structure preferably comprises a suspension element, suchas, for example, a suspension bracket, which can be hooked over the sidewall such that it projects into the interior. The suspension elementhere advantageously rests on a top edge of the side wall and extendsfrom there preferably into the interior and, adjacent to an inner sideof the side wall, toward the base of the container bottom part. Theattachment and separation of the additional container to and from theopen container can hence be realized in a particularly easy manner forthe user. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable,however, for a downwardly closed rail to be configured, for example, onthe outside of the container bottom part, and for the connectingstructure to be designed as a profile which can be introduced into therail from above, wherein the container top part, in the closed state,covers the rail from above. Removal of the additional container from thecontainer in the closed state is thereby likewise prevented. It is alsopossible, of course, for the rail to be configured on the additionalcontainer, and the profile on the container bottom part. The additionalcontainer can also be hookable inward into the case, while the describedadvantageous features are maintained.

The side wall can have a retaining element, which projects into theinterior and is configured to enter into a releasable latchingconnection with the suspension element. The suspension elementadvantageously then has an appropriately complementary latching element,such as a recess, a depression, grooves, ribs, etc.

The container is preferably designed in such a way, in accordance with astandard construction, that the container top part is connected to thecontainer bottom part pivotably about a pivot axis. The additionalcontainer is then preferably attached in a region of the side wall whichruns substantially transversely to this pivot axis.

As is usual with many containers, the container can further have afastening between the container top part and the container bottom part,which fastening is suitable for locking the container in the closedstate and is disposed in a region of the side wall that lies oppositethe pivot axis.

Preferably, the container is of a standard container shape such that ithas a handle which is used to carry the container and which is disposedin a region of the side wall of the container that lies opposite thepivot axis. This handle is preferably attached to the container bottompart, and particularly preferably to the side wall of the containerbottom part. It can also, however, be attached to the container toppart.

The container can essentially have an overall cuboid basic shape, which,in particular, can be flattened such that two opposite faces of thisbasic shape are substantially larger than, preferably even at leasttwice as large as, every other face of the cuboid basic shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional container has an additionalcontainer bottom part having a receiving space suitable for storingobjects, and also has a lid suitable for, in a closure position, closingoff the receiving space to the outside and, in an opening position,opening this up to the outside.

Preferably, the container top part, in the closed state of thecontainer, then cooperates with the lid in such a way that movement ofthe lid from the closure position into the opening position isprevented. The additional container attached to the container can thusonly be opened and closed when the container is in the open state.Unintentional springing open of the additional container, for example,while the container is being carried, is thereby prevented.

In order to realize such cooperation of the container top part with thelid, the lid advantageously has a cover region, which, in the closureposition of the lid and in the closed state of the container, is coveredby the container top part.

The cover region is preferably configured as a flange, which, in theclosure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, isheld, in particular even clamped, in a region between the side wall andthe container top part.

Preferably, the lid is pivotably connected to the additional containerbottom part in a region disposed on a side of the additional containerthat is facing away from the container. This connection of the lid tothe additional container bottom part can be effected, for instance, viaa hinge, in particular via a film hinge. However, a standard axial hingecan also, of course, be used.

The additional container can additionally or alternatively have afastening between the additional container bottom part and the lid,which fastening is suitable for locking the additional container in theclosure position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool case can have in itsside wall at least one guide element, in which a guide element of theadditional container can engage.

Furthermore, the additional container can have a double eyelet, by meansof which the lid of the additional container can be held closed evenwhen the fastening is open.

The additional container can have at least one suspension bracket, andthe suspension bracket can have a bottom bracket and a top bracket,whereby the fastening of the additional container to the case can befurther improved.

In the side wall of the additional container can be arranged guides,into which partitions, made of plastic, for instance, can be inserted.

On the inner side of the side wall of the tool case or of the additionalcontainer can be arranged guide rails, into which insert plates can beintroduced. Said insert plates can here be part of a fastening systemfor objects to be transported in the case or additional container.

The above described additional container does not necessarily have to beused solely together with the case. It is equally conceivable to use theadditional container without the case.

Thus the additional container can also be introduced, for instance, intoa suitable receiving apparatus of a fixed machine, or else into anappropriately equipped shelving system. In this instance, the receivingapparatus can be configured, in particular, analogously to thecorresponding case side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the drawings, which serve merely as illustration and shouldnot be interpreted restrictively. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a case belonging to a containersystem according to a first inventive embodiment in the closed state,without additional containers;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the open state,without additional containers;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the closedstate, with additional containers attached thereto;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, from a viewing direction different fromthat of FIG. 3, of the case of FIG. 1 in the closed state, withadditional containers attached thereto;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the open state,with additional containers attached thereto, wherein one of theadditional containers is open;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an additional container in the openstate;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the additional container of FIG. 6 inthe closed state; and

FIG. 8 shows a partial view of a section through a case belonging to acontainer system according to a second inventive embodiment in theclosed state, with additional containers attached thereto;

FIGS. 9 to 16 show a further embodiment of the invention in a variety ofviews.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1 to 7, a preferred illustrative embodiment of an inventivecontainer system is shown in perspective representations. The containersystem has a container 1, here in the form of a case, in particular atool case, and one or more additional containers 2 attached thereto.

As is shown, in particular, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 1 comprises acase top part 11 and a case bottom part 12. The case top part 11 has aplanar and substantially rectangular top face 111, from which aperipheral casing 112 extends downward. The case bottom part 12comprises a base 121, from which a peripheral side wall 122 extendsupward. In this illustrative embodiment, the vertical dimension of theside wall 122 is here substantially greater than the vertical dimensionof the casing 112. The base 121, jointly with the side wall 122, the topface 111 and the casing 112, delimits an interior of the case 1.

The case bottom part 12 and the case top part 11 are pivotably connectedto each other by a hinge 13. The hinge 13 here connects a top edge ofthe side wall 122 to a bottom edge of the casing 112 and is arrangedalong a longitudinal side of the case 1. The hinge 13 can here have anychosen embodiment according to the prior art. By the hinge 13 isdefined, in particular, a pivot axis, about which the case top part 11can be pivoted relative to the case bottom part 12.

The hinge 13 allows the case top part 11 to be pivoted toward the casebottom part 12 in such a way that the case top part 11 closes off to theoutside the interior delimited by the case bottom part 12. The case 1 isthen in a closed state (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the case 1 has inthe closed state substantially a flat, cuboid shape. By swinging openthe case top part 11 relative to the case bottom part 12, the interiorbecomes accessible from the outside and the case 1 is in an open state(FIG. 2).

On that side of the case 1 that lies opposite the hinge 13, twofastenings are present in order to lock together the case bottom part 12and the case top part 11 in the closed state of the case 1.Alternatively, however, just one, or more than two fastenings, couldalso be provided. The fastenings are respectively formed by a lockingclamp 124 movably attached to the case bottom part 12 and by a lockingstructure 113 configured on the case top part 11. For the locking of thecase 1 in the closed state, the locking clamp 124 can be engaged bymeans of a pivot motion in the locking structure 113, which has adepression complementary to the locking clamp 124. Of course, thelocking clamp could also be attached to the case top part 11 and thelocking structure 113 could be configured on the case bottom part 12.Moreover, any other chosen fastenings according to the prior art arealso conceivable.

In order to secure the content stored in the interior of the case 1against, for instance, unauthorized removal, clasps 114 and 126, whichcan be connected, in particular, with a padlock, are provided here. Theclasps 114 and 126 are here disposed on the casing 112 of the case toppart 11 and on the side wall 122 of the case bottom part 12, on thatside of the case 1 that lies opposite the hinge 13, such that they canbe connected to each other by means of a commercially available padlock.

The case bottom part 12 further has a handle 123, which is used forcarrying of the case 1 by a user. Just like the locking clamps 124 andthe clasps 126, the handle 123 is fitted on that side of the case 1 thatlies opposite the hinge 13.

As is shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, additional containers 2 can be attached tothe side of the case 1. In the present illustrative embodiment, up totwo additional containers 2 can here be attached to mutually opposingsides of the case 1. The attachment of the additional containers 2 tothe case 1 is possible, however, only in the open state of the case 1(FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the additional containers 2 are attachedto the case 1 respectively in a side wall region extending transverselyto the hinge 13 or to the pivot axis defined thereby.

The detailed design of the additional containers 2 of this illustrativeembodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Extending upward from a planarbase 221 is a peripheral side wall 222. The vertical extent of the sidewall 222 here corresponds to that of the side wall 122 of the casebottom part 12. The base 221 of the additional container 2 formstogether with the side wall 222 a container bottom part 22 of theadditional container 2.

On the top edge of a region of the side wall 222 that is facing towardthe case 1 are configured two downwardly extending suspension brackets223, which form a connecting structure. These two suspension brackets223 serve to hook the additional container 2 in the open state of thecase 1 over a side wall 122 of the case 1. The attachment of theadditional container 2 to the case bottom part 12 is here effected bythe suspension brackets 223 being slipped onto the side wall 122 in adirection of displacement directed from top to bottom. The suspensionbrackets 223 then rest on the top edge of the side wall 122 and extendfrom there into the interior of the case 1 and downward along the innerside of the side wall 122. In the open state of the case 1, theadditional containers 2 are thus easily attachable to the case bottompart 12 or removable therefrom. In the closed state, the suspensionbrackets 223 are covered, however, by the case top part 11, so that thesuspension brackets 223 cannot be displaced from the bottom upward. Inparticular, the suspension brackets 223, in the closed state of the case1, are held between the top edge of the side wall 122 and the bottomedge of the casing 112 of the case top part 11. In this state, theadditional container 2 forms a form closure with the case 1. In thisclosed state of the case 1, removal of the additional containers 2 fromthe case 1 is therefore not possible.

As in the present illustrative embodiment, on the top edge of a regionof the side wall 222 that is facing away from the case 1, a lid 21 canbe pivotably attached to the container bottom part 22 by a hinge 23. Thehinge 23 can here be constituted, for instance, by a film hinge or someother hinge according to the prior art. The lid 21 here serves to closeoff the receiving space of the container bottom part 22 in a closureposition. The lid 21 here has a top face 211, from which a peripheralcasing 212 extends downward. To the bottom rim of the casing 212 can beattached side brackets 213, which are part of a fastening for holdingthe lid 21 of the additional container 2 in the closure position. Theside brackets 213 can be configured, for example, to enter intosnap-locking connection with a complementary structure (not shown in thefigures) configured on the container bottom part 22. In this embodiment,the additional containers can thus be opened and closed irrespective ofwhether the case 1 is in the open or closed state.

A second embodiment of an inventive container system is shown in FIG. 8in a sectional view. Identical or similar parts of the container systemare here denoted with the same reference symbols. In this illustrativeembodiment also, the container 1 is constituted by a case. The side wall122 of the case 1 of this container system here has inwardly projectingretaining elements 125, which are configured to enter into a releasablelatching connection with the suspension brackets 223. To this end, thesuspension brackets 223 of the additional containers 2 respectively inthis embodiment have a recess into which the retaining elements 125 canengage. Through the provision of the retaining elements 125 on the sidewall 122 and of this design of the suspension brackets 223, theadditional containers 2 are secured against falling off the side wall222, including, in particular, when the case 1 is in the open state.Alternative latching, snap-in or similar connections of the suspensionbrackets 223 to the side wall 222 are conceivable.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 further shows an advantageous design ofthe lid 21. The lid 21 here has, on the bottom edge of that region ofthe casing 212 that is facing toward the case 1, a flange 214 projectingperpendicularly outward. The flange 214 can extend over the entirelength of the region of the casing 212 where this bears against the case1. The flange 214 can also, however, be of broken configuration ordesigned as a narrow projection or a boss. In the closure position ofthe lid 21 of the additional container 2, this flange 214, just like thesuspension tab 223, ends up between the side wall 122 and the casing 112of the closed case 1. Opening of the additional container 2 in theclosed state of the case 1 is thereby prevented. Once the additionalcontainer 2 is attached to the case 1, the receiving space of theadditional container 2 can thus be made accessible or closed off only inthe open state of the case 1. In particular, the lid 21 of theadditional container 2 attached to the case 1 can thereby be effectivelyprevented from unintentionally springing open while the closed case 1 isbeing carried. When, in the closed state of the case 1, the case toppart 11 and the case bottom part 12 are secured by a padlock connectingthe clasps 114 and 126, the additional containers 2 are also secured tothe case 1 such that they are able to be opened and removed from thecase 1 only once the padlock has been unlocked and the case 1 itselfsubsequently opened.

The case top part 11, the case bottom part 12, the container bottom part22 and the lid 21 are advantageously configured in one piece andproduced by injection molding. Particularly advantageous is a design ofthe additional containers 2 as in the present illustrative embodiment,where the entire additional container 2 is configured as a whole in onepiece and the connection of the container bottom part 22 to the lid 21is effected via a film hinge 23.

The invention is obviously not limited to the preceding illustrativeembodiments and a multiplicity of modifications is possible. Inparticular, the case 1 does not have to have the described flat andcuboid shape. Any chosen designs are conceivable for this purpose.Moreover, the handle 123 could be fitted, instead of to the case bottompart 12, centrally on the top face 111 of the case top part 11, forinstance. Alternatively or additionally, a carrying strap could also beprovided.

The additional containers 2 could also be attachable to the case 1 in adifferent manner according to the prior art. For instance, an embodimentin which a vertically extending rail is attached to the outside of theside wall 122 is conceivable. The rail would have two L-shaped, mutuallyfacing side profiles, which delimit an intervening channel. Theadditional container of such an embodiment would then have an outwardlyprojecting T-profile, which would be configured complementary to thisrail such that it can be inserted from above into this channel as far asa bottom stop. The case top part could then be correspondingly designedsuch that, in the closed state of the case, it covers the rail fromabove in order to prevent removal of the additional container from thecase. The rail and the T-profile could also, however, extendperpendicularly to the above-stated vertical direction, in a directionpointing toward the pivot axis of the hinge 13. The direction ofdisplacement for the attachment of the additional container 2 to thecase 1 would then be directed in the same direction pointing toward thepivot axis, or in an opposite direction thereto. In such an embodiment,the case top part 11 could have, for example, a downwardly projectingelement, which in the closed state of the case 1 hampers displacement ofthe additional container 2 relative to the case 1 and thereby preventsremoval of the additional container 2 from the case 1.

Moreover, the additional containers 2 do not necessarily have to have alid 21. In the absence of a lid, tools or other objects could also beheld in the additional container 2 by custom-made receiving pockets. Theadditional container can also be realized as a textile pocket. Asuspension bracket or rail, which is fixedly connected to the textile,for example by sewing, welding or riveting, and is made, for instance,of plastic or metal, can then serve to attach the additional containerto the case. The hinge 13 does not necessarily have to be provided andcould also be replaced by fastenings, for instance, as are provided onthe opposite side of the case and are labeled with the reference symbols124 and 113. The same applies to the hinge 23 of the additionalcontainers. A multiplicity of further modifications is possible.

FIG. 9 shows in a perspective side view a tool case 1′ according to afurther embodiment of the invention. In the shown representation, a partof the tool case 1′ is shown lying on the lid, so that the bottom part12′ faces upward. The guide elements, which are configured as L-guides1221 and are formed in the side wall 122′ of the tool case 1′, areclearly apparent in FIG. 9. The L-guides 1221 are here designed toreceive a guide element, configured as an L-rail, of an additionalcontainer (not represented in FIG. 9) and thus to connect saidadditional container more firmly to the tool case 1′. In addition, it isclearly apparent in FIG. 9 that, when the top part 11′ is closed, theL-guide 1221 is closed off in the direction of the top part, so that theadditional container cannot be upwardly removed from the tool case 1′.

FIG. 10 now shows an additional container 2′, which is designed forfastening to the tool case 1′ presented in FIG. 9. The additionalcontainer 2′ here shows the lid 21′, which, unlike the previously shownembodiment, cannot be opened along its longitudinal side, but along itstransverse side or its narrow side. To this end, the additionalcontainer 2′ has on its front end face the fastening 25. Securementagainst unintended or unintentional opening can be achieved, inparticular, by the double eyelet 26, with which, for instance with theaid of a padlock or else of a cable tie, the lid 21′ of the additionalcontainer 2′ can be held closed even when the fastening 25 is open. Thetwo guide elements configured as L-rails 2221, which are designed to beintroduced into the L-guides 1221—as represented in FIG. 9—are likewiseclearly apparent in FIG. 10. Since the fixing in the upper region of theadditional container 2′ is already ensured by the suspension brackets223′, it is sufficient if the L-rails 2221—as represented—are configuredextended only over a section of the side wall 222′ of the additionalcontainer 2′. In principle, it is also possible to configure the L-railsextended over the entire height of the side wall 222′. The particularconstruction of the three suspension brackets 223′ is likewise clearlyapparent from FIG. 10. In the represented embodiment, the suspensionbrackets 223′ show a bottom bracket 2231 and a top bracket 2232. Thebottom bracket 2231 is here designed to engage in the side wall 122′ ofthe tool case 1′ in the manner known from the preceding illustrativeembodiment, and thus fasten the additional container 2′ to the tool case1′. The top bracket 2232 fulfils a different function. In the closedstate of the tool case 1′, it back-grips the top part 11′ thereof (notrepresented in FIG. 10) and thus prevents possible removal of theadditional container 2′ from the tool case 1′ when the top part 11′ isclosed. In order to illustrate the geometric relationships, a side viewof the additional container 2′ from the front side is represented inFIG. 10.

For further clarification, a perspective representation of thearrangement, in which the respective top parts have been omitted and theadditional container 2′ is shown disposed on the case 1′, is appended inFIG. 12. The engagement of the bottom brackets 2231 in the side wall122′ of the case 1′ is here clearly apparent. Guides 2227, which aredisposed in the side wall 222′ of the additional container 2′ and intowhich partitions, made of plastic, for instance, can be inserted, arelikewise clearly apparent in FIG. 12; the corresponding guides lyingopposite the guides 2227 are not visible in FIG. 12. In this way, theadditional container 2′ is able to be divided in a comparativelyflexible manner and can advantageously be used, for instance, as a smallparts magazine.

FIG. 13 shows a section through the additional container 2′ and theadjoining region of the tool case 1′. The engagement of the top part 11′of the tool case 1′ behind the top bracket 2232, and the engagement ofthe bottom bracket 2231 behind the side part 122′ of the tool case 1′,is clearly apparent. The L-rail 2221 introduced into the L-guide 1221 islikewise apparent in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows a further detail of a possible embodiment of the inventivetool case. Guide rails 1271, into which, for instance an insert plate(not represented in FIG. 14) can be introduced, are here disposed in therear wall 127 of a tool case. FIG. 14 a shows the arrangement shown inFIG. 14 once again in a top view from above. This measure opens up thepossibility, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, of inserting a fasteningelement 3, provided with an insert plate 31 and a belt 32, into theguide rails shown in FIG. 14, and of thereby realizing a flexiblefastening concept for objects which are to be transported in the toolcase. In FIG. 16, said fastening concept is represented with referenceto a drill 4 disposed, by way of example, in the tool case 1.

1. A container system, comprising a container having a container toppart and a container bottom part, which has a base and, a peripheralside wall attached thereto and wherein the side wall, together with thebase, delimits an interior of the container, and wherein the interior issuitable for storing objects, and wherein the container has a closedstate in which the container top part and the container bottom partjointly close off the interior to the outside and further has an openstate in which the interior is accessible from the outside; and whereinat least one additional container, which has a connecting structure andwhich is suitable for storing further objects, is provided and wherein,in the open state of the container, can be releasably attached to theside wall by means of the connecting structure, and wherein thecontainer top part is arranged relative to the container bottom part inthe closed state such that it prevents removal of the additionalcontainer from the container.
 2. The container system as claimed inclaim 1, and wherein the connecting structure can be slipped onto theside wall in a direction of displacement, and wherein the container toppart covers the connecting structure in the closed state in order toprevent displacement.
 3. The container system as claimed in claim 2, andwherein the connecting structure, in the closed state of the container,is held in a region between the container bottom part and the containertop part.
 4. The container system as claimed in claim 3, and wherein theconnecting structure comprises a suspension element, which can be hookedover the side wall such that it projects into the interior.
 5. Thecontainer system as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the side wall has aretaining element, which projects into the interior and is configured toenter into a releasable latching connection with the suspension element.6. The container system as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the containertop part is connected to the container bottom part pivots about a pivotaxis, and wherein the additional container is attached in a region ofthe side wall which runs substantially transversely to this pivot axis.7. The container system as claimed in claim 6, and wherein the containerhas a fastening between the container top part and the container bottompart and wherein the fastening is suitable for locking the container inthe closed state and is disposed in a region of the side wall that liesopposite the pivot axis.
 8. The container system as claimed in claim 7,and wherein the container bottom part has a handle which is used tocarry the container and which is disposed in a region of the side wallof the container that lies opposite to the pivot axis.
 9. The containersystem as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the additional container hasan additional container bottom part having a receiving space suitablefor storing objects, and has a lid suitable for, in a closure position,closing off the receiving space to the outside and, in an openingposition, opening this up to the outside.
 10. The container system asclaimed in claim 9, and wherein the container top part, in the closedstate of the container, cooperates with the lid in such a way thatmovement of the lid from the closure position into the opening positionis prevented.
 11. The container system as claimed in claim 10, andwherein the lid has a cover region, which, in the closure position ofthe lid and in the closed state of the container, is covered by thecontainer top part.
 12. The container system as claimed in claim 11, andwherein the cover region is configured as a flange, which, in theclosure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, isheld in a region between the side wall and the container top part. 13.The container system as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the lid ispivotably connected to the additional container bottom part in a regiondisposed on a side of the additional container that is facing away fromthe container.
 14. The container system as claimed in claim 9, andwherein the additional container has a fastening between the additionalcontainer bottom part and the lid, which fastening is suitable forlocking the additional container in the closure position.
 15. Thecontainer system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the container bottompart comprises a tool case having a side wall which defines at least oneguide element, in which a guide element of an additional 20 containercan engage.
 16. The container system as claimed in claim 15, and whereinthe additional container has a double eyelet 25 by means of which thelid of the additional container can be held closed even when thefastening is open.
 17. The container system as claimed in claim 16, andwherein the additional container has at least one suspension bracket,and wherein the suspension bracket has a bottom bracket and a topbracket.
 18. The container system as claimed in claim 17, and whereinarranged in the side wall of the additional container are guides, intowhich individual partitions, made of plastic can be inserted.
 19. Thecontainer system as claimed in claim 18, and wherein arranged on theinner side of the side wall of the tool case or of the additionalcontainer are guide rails, into which insert plates can be introduced.20. (canceled)